Brodtkorbite is an extremely rare copper-mercury selenide mineral first identified in the Skrikerum mining district of Sweden. It typically occurs as minute, metallic grains associated with other selenide minerals in hydrothermal deposits. Due to its extreme rarity and complex chemical composition, it is a significant specialty mineral for advanced systematic collectors.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Brodtkorbite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this brodtkorbite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch brodtkorbite with a known reference. Brodtkorbite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Brodtkorbite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Brodtkorbite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: anhedral grains, interstitial.

Often confused with

Brodtkorbite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Clausthalite

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Brodtkorbite leaves black, Clausthalite leaves gray-black.

How to tell apart: Brodtkorbite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5).

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Often found alongside brodtkorbite

Minerals reported to co-occur with brodtkorbite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₂HgSe₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 8.55 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains, Interstitial
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Selenide Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find brodtkorbite

Classic worldwide localities

Skrikerum, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal selenide deposits country — that is the host setting where brodtkorbite typically forms. If you start seeing clausthalite, tiemannite, eskebornite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, interstitial habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify brodtkorbite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, gray.

Where is brodtkorbite found?+

Notable localities include Skrikerum, Sweden.

How much is brodtkorbite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is brodtkorbite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury and selenium, both of which are toxic if ingested, inhaled as dust, or handled excessively. Always wash hands after handling and keep in a sealed container. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like brodtkorbite?+

Brodtkorbite is most often confused with Clausthalite, Tiemannite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with brodtkorbite?+

Brodtkorbite commonly co-occurs with Clausthalite, Tiemannite, Eskebornite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does brodtkorbite form in?+

Brodtkorbite typically forms in hydrothermal selenide deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is brodtkorbite used for?+

Brodtkorbite is used in collector.

Find brodtkorbite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.